Harris’ early goal holds up, Rapids beat RSL 1-0

Irwin guessed right as he stopped a first-half penalty kick and Atiba
Harris’ goal in the fifth minute held up as the Rapids beat Real Salt Lake 1-0
on Saturday night.

Goalkeeper coach Chris Sharpe gave Irwin a scouting report and when Alvaro
Saborio was awarded the penalty kick, Irwin decided to spring to his left.

“I had a pretty good idea of what Saborio was going to do and how he takes
his penalties,” said Irwin, whose team improves to 1-3-2. “I think the fans
can see that we’re trying hard, we’re really pushing, trying to put something
good together. It finally came together tonight.”

Before Saturday, Saborio was automatic on penalty kicks for Real Salt Lake.

“It’s football. It happens,” he said of his miss. “It was a good save
(from Irwin) and we missed a chance to tie the game.”

Edson Buddle set up the only score by sneaking a pass between defenders in
the penalty box and straight to a wide-open Harris, who booted it in with his
left foot.

Harris dedicated the goal to his new daughter, Keriana, who was born March
26.

“It’s always a blessing to bring a new life into this life, so I decided to
honor her,” said Harris, whose team tied 1-1 with RSL on March 16 in Utah.
“Whenever we play Salt Lake, we have to win. There is no doubt about it. We’re
at home, we need three points, it’s against our rival and we have to win for the
city—for the whole state.”

Real Salt Lake (2-3-1) couldn’t overcome the early goal as the team lost for
the second time in three contests.

“We did a lot of talking about starting really well, and we didn’t get it
accomplished, obviously,” RSL coach Jason Kreis said.